Lou Ellen Marble

Lou Ellen Marble, 95, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of the Amarillo area, Lou was born on August 30, 1929, to Charley Lee Hedgecoke and Violet Rose Hedgecoke. She grew up in the Cliffside Helium Gas field northwest of Amarillo, the oldest of four children, and from an early age took her role as big sister seriously, setting a steady and thoughtful example of her siblings.

Lou married the love of her life, Audry Lee Marble, on May 17, 1952, at First Presbyterian Church in Amarillo. Together, they built a home--literally and figuratively--where all were welcome. Their house on the hill became a place of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. For over 70 years, it was a refuge not only for family but for friends and neighbors who came to know them as Uncle Audry and Aunt Lou.

Lou was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and "Aunt Lou" to many nieces and nephews. Her life was rooted in love, kindness, and quiet strength. She found joy in life's simple pleasures--panhandle sunsets, the sounds of birds the quiet of an open country, and fishing in stock tanks. She loved deeply and lived humbly, touching countless lives with her calm presence, generous spirit, and welcoming heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Audry; her sister, Loyce Groomer; and her brother, Garland Hedgecoke.

Lou is survived by her three children: Melinda Hodnik of Amarillo; Mary Ellen Mayfield and husband John of Amarillo; and Jimmy Marble and wife Bryndy of Plano, Texas. She also leaves behind her sister, Charlene Rickard of Bakersville, California; nine grandchildren: Briketa Dowell of Amarillo, Michael Mayfield and wife Chelsea of Longview, Leanne Dunton and husband Jonathan of Noble, Oklahoma, Matthew Mayfield of Amarillo, Jay Marble and wife Ashley of Little Elm, Paul Hodnik and wife Ashton of Amarillo, Johnathan Mayfield and wife Jennifer of Amarillo, Joseph Marble and wife Dorian of Princeton, Texas, and Jared Marble and wife Cassandra of McKinney, Texas; and 14 great-grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy in her later years.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, at LaGrone Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors on Martin Road. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Amarillo.

Lou Ellen Marble lived a life of quiet grace, steady faith, and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.